SafeWork NSW puts health and safety representatives in the spotlight

The full-day session will provide information about health and safety representative (HSR) roles and powers under Work Health and Safety laws. It will also cover psychosocial hazards, including bullying, excessive workloads and violence, as well as the prevention of sexual harassment.

The three videos explore how HSRs contribute to workplace safety. HSRs gather information and help resolve health and safety issues affecting the workers they represent.

One video features Laura Anderson, an intensive care nurse and HSR at Shoalhaven Hospital. She recalls the shock of hearing a colleague scream during an avoidable patient attack and describes the value she finds in representing staff: “I do find it very rewarding. The staff are very thankful.”

Anderson also links staff safety with patient safety, saying: “If we are keeping our colleagues safe, that in turn keeps the patients safe.”

Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin said the event would give participants access to the latest information from SafeWork NSW to help them meet their obligations, while providing opportunities to network with other HSRs. He said the videos demonstrated how representatives identify and resolve workplace risks on behalf of their work groups.

“I commend the HSRs in the case studies for standing up, speaking out and advocating for workers. Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of every workday.”

The training day follows regional workplace consultation and HSR forums held earlier in the year, which drew more than 600 attendees across nine locations. SafeWork NSW has made registration information, an HSR toolkit and the three promotional case study videos available.

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